Robotic abdominal resection of tailgut cysts - A technical note with step-by-step description.

AIM: Here, we describe a step-by-step standardized technique for tailgut cyst resection using a single-docking robotic approach. METHOD: Each step of the technique is illustrated using a composite collection of four operative patient videos to demonstrate the advantages and feasibility of this technique. The robot platform utilised is Da Vinci Xi. RESULTS: Five female patients have undergone this operation in our unit. The size of tumours ranged from 12 to 45 mm. Median operating time was 100 min (range 90-150). Mean blood loss in all the patients was less than 50 ml. There were no major intraoperative complications. One patient had a postoperative presacral collection which required radiological drainage. Length of stay in all patients was one day. CONCLUSIONS: This technique using a single-docking robotic approach appears safe and feasible. The robotic approach results in improved dexterity and more accurate dissection, better retraction and excellent vision which improves the ease of operating in the pelvis. Therefore, this approach can be replicated for use in a wide variety of patients with tailgut cysts.

Quality of life and anterior resection syndrome after surgery for mid to low rectal cancer: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyze the quality of life (QoL), low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) and fecal incontinence after surgery for mid to low rectal cancer and its relationship with the type of surgical procedure performed. METHODS: A cross-sectional cohort survey study of 358 patients operated on for mid to low rectal cancer. Patients were included in three groups: abdominoperineal resection (APR), low mechanical colorectal anastomosis (CRA) and hand-sewn coloanal anastomosis (CAA). The QLQ-C30/CR29 questionnaires, LARS and Vaizey scores were used to study QoL and defecatory dysfunction. Multivariable analysis was used to estimate the prognostic effect of the variables on QoL and LARS scores. RESULTS: 62.6% of the patients answered the survey. The global QoL score was similar among APR, CRA and CAA. Patients' body image perception was significantly worse after APR than after CRA or CAA. LARS score was better in CRA group (p = 0.002). A major LARS was observed in 83.3% of the patients who underwent CAA and in 56.6% of the patients who underwent CRA. No relationship between surgical procedures and the global QoL score was observed. Neoadjuvant radiotherapy (p = 0.048) and CAA (p = 0.005) were associated with a major LARS. The Vaizey score was higher for CAA than for CRA (p = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS: Though CAA group presents worse LARS and higher faecal incontinence scores respect CRA patients, and APR is related with a worse body image, global QoL was similar in the three groups.

Factors associated with low anterior resection syndrome after surgical treatment of rectal cancer.

AIM: To assess factors independently associated with low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) following resection or rectal cancer. METHOD: Cross-sectional study carried out in two acute-care teaching hospitals in Barcelona, Spain. Patients who had undergone sphincter preserving low anterior resection with curative intent, with total or partial mesorectal excision (with and without protective ileostomy) between January 2001 and December 2009 completed a self-administered questionnaire to assess bowel dysfunction after rectal cancer surgery. Predictors of LARS were assessed by univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: The questionnaire was sent to 329 patients (response rate 57.7%). Six cases of incomplete questionnaires were excluded. The study population included 184 patients (66.8% men) with a mean age of 63 years. There were 44 (23.9%) patients with no LARS, 36 (19.6%) with minor LARS and 104 (56.2%) with major LARS. In the univariate analysis, total mesorectal excision (P = 0.0008), protective ileostomy (P = 0.002), preoperative and postoperative radiotherapy (P = 0.0000), postoperative chemotherapy (P = 0.0046) and age (P = 0.035) were significantly associated with major LARS, whereas in the multivariate analysis, total mesorectal excision (odds ratio [OR] 2.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-4.65), preoperative radiotherapy (OR 4.33, 95% CI 2.03-9.27) and postoperative radiotherapy (OR 9.52, 95% CI 1.74-52.24) were independent risk factors for major LARS. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the risk of having major LARS increases with total mesorectal excision and both neoadjuvant and adjuvant radiotherapy. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Low anterior resection syndrome: a survey of the members of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS), the Spanish Association of Surgeons (AEC), and the Spanish Society of Coloproctology (AECP).

BACKGROUND: Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) is frequent following sphincter-sparing procedures for rectal cancer. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess surgeons' awareness of LARS. DESIGN: This was a survey study. SETTINGS: Members of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS), the Spanish Association of Surgeons (AEC), and the Spanish Society of Coloproctology (AECP). PARTICIPANTS: Three hundred thirty-four surgeons from the ASCRS and 150 from the Spanish Societies completed a 23-item electronic questionnaire. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Surgeons' opinions regarding different aspects of LARS. RESULTS: The proportion of rectal cancer patients undergoing sphincter-sparing operations ranged between 71 and 90 %. Low anterior resection with end-to-end anastomosis was the most frequently cited procedure after mesorectal excision. More than 80 % of participants were recognized to be moderately or extremely aware of the condition, but regarding the method used to assess LARS, the majority relied on clinical manifestations. Around 35 % of surgeons considered that severe LARS developed in less than 40 % of patients. The most important factor related to defecatory function impairment in the surgeons' opinion was the distance from the anal margin to anastomosis. Other factors thought to be involved were anastomotic leakage, preoperative radiation therapy, age, and postoperative radiotherapy, with similar percentages in the two groups of surgeons. Lifestyle changes and dietary measures associated with or without drug treatment was the modality of choice. The experience with transanal irrigation or sacral nerve stimulation was limited. It was considered that <30 % of patients chronically suffer from severe LARS with significant quality of life impairment. LIMITATIONS: The limitations of this study are the international mix and expert status of the specialists. CONCLUSIONS: The probability of patients suffering from LARS was underestimated despite reporting good knowledge of the syndrome. Validated methods for the assessment of LARS were rarely used. Deficient awareness regarding risk factors for LARS was documented. Knowledge of therapeutic options was also limited.

[Turnbull-cutait technique in low rectal cancer: Case report]. / Técnica de Turnbull-Cutait en cáncer de recto inferior: reporte de un caso.

BACKGROUND: The surgical treatment for low rectal cancer involves an ultra-low anterior resection with complete mesorectal resection and coloanal anastomosis. Two-stage coloanal anastomosis such as the Turnbull-Cutait technique represents an option for patients with low rectal cancer. CLINICAL CASE: A 69 year-old female patient with a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma (T2N1), located 4 cm from the anal margin. She received neoadjuvant radiotherapy. An ultra-low anterior resection and total resection of the mesorectum were performed. The intestinal transit was reconstructed by coloanal anastomosis using the Turnbull-Cutait technique. CONCLUSION: Coloanal anastomosis with the Turnbull-Cutait technique represents a primary option for patients with low rectal cancer, avoiding a loop ileostomy, its economic impact and on their quality of life.

Hemorragia en anastomosis intestinales y cólicas. Manejo terapéutico y sus complicaciones / Postoperative small bowel and colonic anastomotic bleeding. Therapeutic management and complications

INTRODUCCIÓN: La hemorragia postoperatoria de una anastomosis intestinal o cólica (HPAIC) suele ser una complicación leve, manejada generalmente de forma conservadora. Otras opciones terapéuticas son la cirugía, la endoscopia y la embolización angiográfica. Nuestro objetivo es realizar un análisis descriptivo de las hemorragias anastomóticas postoperatorias en pacientes con anastomosis intestinales o cólicas, el tratamiento realizado y las complicaciones derivadas. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional retrospectivo, que incluye pacientes con HPAIC en el Servicio de Cirugía General y del Aparato Digestivo del Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebron entre 2007 y 2012. Se han recogido las características de los pacientes, del tratamiento y las complicaciones según la opción terapéutica. RESULTADOS: Hallamos 44 casos de hemorragia anastomótica, siendo varones 25 (56,8%), con una media de edad de 68,2 años (R: 28-92). La caída media de hematocrito fue de 8 puntos (R: 0-17), presentando inestabilidad hemodinámica 13 pacientes (29,5%). Se realizó manejo conservador en 27 pacientes (61,4%), cirugía en 6 (13,6%), manejo endoscópico en 2 (4,5%) y embolización en 9 (20,5%). De los casos embolizados, 4 pacientes presentaron dehiscencia anastomótica (44,5%). La mortalidad fue de 13,6% (6 pacientes). Un total de 4 de las 6 muertes pertenecen al grupo embolizado. CONCLUSIONES: La mayoría de pacientes con HPAIC responden al tratamiento conservador. Cuando fracasa, existen diferentes opciones terapéuticas que incluyen la embolización angiográfica. En nuestra serie observamos una elevada incidencia de dehiscencia anastomótica postembolización, siendo necesario reevaluar el tipo de embolización así como sus indicaciones y contraindicaciones

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative small bowel or colic anastomotic bleeding (PSCAB) is often a mild complication and is generally treated by a conservative approach. Other therapeutic options are surgery, endoscopic management and angiographic embolization. Our aim is to review our cases of postoperative anastomotic bleeding in patients with small bowel or colic anastomosis, with special attention to their treatment and complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Observational retrospective study including patients with PSCAB in the department of General and Digestive Surgery in Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, between 2007 and 2012. Demographic and bleeding characteristics as well as therapeutic management were reviewed, including complications derived from the different therapeutic options. RESULTS: There were 44 cases of bleeding after performing small bowel or colic anastomosis, 25 patients were men (56.8%), with a mean age of 68.2 years (R: 28-92). The mean hematocrit decrease was 8 points (R: 0-17), and hemodynamic instability was detected in 13 patients (29.5%). A conservative management was undertaken in 27 patients (61.3%), surgery in 6 (13.6%), endoscopic treatment in 2 (4.5%) and embolization in 9 (20.5%). Four patients of cases treated with embolization presented anastomotic leak (44.5%). Mortality was 13.6% (6 patients). A total of 4 of 6 deaths were in the group of patients treated with embolization. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients with PSCAB have a good response to conservative management. When there is failure of this approach, there are different therapeutic options, including angiographic embolization. In our series, we have seen a high incidence of post embolization anastomotic leak; further trials will be necessary to provide valuable evidence of the risk of this therapeutic option

Laparoscopy-assisted versus open colectomy for treatment of colon cancer in the elderly: morbidity and mortality outcomes in 545 patients.

BACKGROUND: Advanced age is a risk factor of major abdominal surgery due to diminished functional reserve and increased comorbidity. Laparoscopy-assisted colectomy is a well-established procedure in colon cancer surgery. The aim of this study was to compare early outcome of elective laparoscopy surgery and open colectomy in colon cancer patients according to age. METHODS: A total of 545 patients with colonic adenocarcinoma underwent elective surgery between 2005 and 2009. There were 277 patients in the laparoscopic group and 268 in the open. Patient characteristics in both groups were homogeneous and further stratified into three subgroups by age: <75, between 75-84, and ≥ 85 years. Main outcome measures were early morbidity, mortality, and hospital stay. RESULTS: Open surgery group showed a higher overall morbidity rate (37.3 vs. 21.6%, P = 0.001), medical complications (16.4 vs. 10.5%, P = 0.033), surgical complications (23.5 vs. 15.5%, P = 0.034), and mortality (6.7 vs. 3.2%, P = 0.034). The overall morbidity rate difference between open and laparoscopy approach disappeared in the oldest group (≥ 85 years old). Surgical site infections rate was inferior for patients <75 years old in laparoscopy group compared with open. Mortality was also significantly inferior in laparoscopy group in younger patients (<75 years, 0 vs. 3%, P = 0.038). Mean hospital stay was shorter for patients in <75 and 75-84 groups with laparoscopic approach (7.8 vs. 11.4 days and 10 vs. 14.3, respectively, P = 0.001) as compared with those who underwent open surgery, but these differences disappeared in patients aged ≥ 85 years. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopy-assisted colectomy in patients underwent elective surgical resections for colon cancer showed advantages in rate of early complications in patients younger than 85 years of age and was found to be as safe and well tolerated as open surgery in patients over 85 years of age.

Postoperative small bowel and colonic anastomotic bleeding. Therapeutic management and complications.

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative small bowel or colic anastomotic bleeding (PSCAB) is often a mild complication and is generally treated by a conservative approach. Other therapeutic options are surgery, endoscopic management and angiographic embolization. Our aim is to review our cases of postoperative anastomotic bleeding in patients with small bowel or colic anastomosis, with special attention to their treatment and complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Observational retrospective study including patients with PSCAB in the department of General and Digestive Surgery in Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, between 2007 and 2012. Demographic and bleeding characteristics as well as therapeutic management were reviewed, including complications derived from the different therapeutic options. RESULTS: There were 44 cases of bleeding after performing small bowel or colic anastomosis, 25 patients were men (56.8%), with a mean age of 68.2 years (R: 28-92). The mean hematocrit decrease was 8 points (R: 0-17), and hemodynamic instability was detected in 13 patients (29.5%). A conservative management was undertaken in 27 patients (61.3%), surgery in 6 (13.6%), endoscopic treatment in 2 (4.5%) and embolization in 9 (20.5%). 4 patients of cases treated with embolization presented anastomotic leak (44.5%). Mortality was 13.6% (6 patients). A total of 4 of 6 deaths were in the group of patients treated with embolization. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients with PSCAB have a good response to conservative management. When there is failure of this approach, there are different therapeutic options, including angiographic embolization. In our series, we have seen a high incidence of post embolization anastomotic leak; further trials will be necessary to provide valuable evidence of the risk of this therapeutic option.

Evolución del cierre de ileostomía en una unidad de cirugía colorrectal. Análisis comparativo según la técnica / Ileostomy closure in a colorectal surgery unit. Comparative analysis of different techniques

INTRODUCCIÓN: El objetivo de este trabajo es valorar si los resultados del cierre de ileostomía en asa en términos de morbimortalidad y estancia hospitalaria se ven influidos por el tipo de anastomosis y de sutura empleada. MÉTODO: Se ha revisado el grupo de pacientes intervenidos por cierre de ileostomía en asa, y se ha realizado un análisis retrospectivo de cohortes comparando la morbimortalidad y estancia hospitalaria en función del tipo de anastomosis (TT o LL) y del tipo de sutura (manual/mecánica). RESULTADOS: Desde enero del 2003 a noviembre del 2011 se han analizado 167 procedimientos de reconstrucción del tránsito en ileostomía en asa. La distribución por grupos fue: tipo de anastomosis (TT 95; LL 72) y tipo de sutura (manual 105; mecánica 62). En el 76% de la población observada la enfermedad de base fue de origen oncológico. La mortalidad ha sido de un caso. El análisis de morbilidad estratificado por tipo de complicaciones no mostró diferencias significativas entre los grupos en cuanto a complicaciones locales (TT 7,4%; LL 8,3%; manual 6,7%; mecánica 9,7%), generales (TT 9,5%; LL 16,7%; manual 6,7%; mecánica 6,5%) y quirúrgicas (TT 15,8%; LL 19,4%; manual 17,1%; mecánica 17,7%), ni en el índice de reintervención (TT 6,3%; LL 6,9%; manual 6,7%; mecánica 6,5%) ni estancia hospitalaria expresada en días (TT 7,8; LL 8; manual 8,6; mecánica 6,7). CONCLUSIONES: La reconstrucción del tránsito intestinal en las ileostomías en asa puede realizarse independientemente del tipo de anastomosis y de sutura empleadas, con la misma tasa de morbimortalidad y estancia hospitalaria

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study is to assess whether the results of loop ileostomy closure in terms of morbidity and hospital stay are influenced by the type of anastomosis and suture used. METHOD: All patients who underwent loop ileostomy closure were reviewed. A retrospective cohort study comparing morbidity and hospital stay according to the type of anastomosis (TT/LL) and the type of suture (hand sewn/mechanical) was performed. RESULTS: From January 2003 to November 2011 a total of 167 loop ileostomy closures were analized. The groups were: type of anastomosis (TT 95/LL 72) and type of suture (manual 105/stapled 62). In 76% of the observed population the underlying disease was cancer. Mortality occurred in one case. The stratified morbidity analysis by type of complications showed no significant differences between the groups in terms of local (7.4% TT, LL 8.3%, 6.7% hand sewn, stapled 9.7%), general (TT 9.5%, 16.7% LL, hand sewn 6.7%, 6.5% stapled) and surgical (TT 15.8%, 19.4% LL, hand sewn 17.1%, 17.7% stapled) complications, nor in the rate of reoperations (TT 6.3%, 6.9% LL, hand sewn 6.7%, 6.5% stapled) and hospital stay in days (TT 7.8, 8 LL, hand sewn 8.6, stapled 6.7). CONCLUSIONS: Closure of loop ileostomy can be performed regardless of the type of suture or anastomosis used, with the same rate of morbidity and hospital stay

[Ileostomy closure in a colorectal surgery unit. Comparative analysis of different techniques]. / Evolución del cierre de ileostomía en una unidad de cirugía colorrectal. Análisis comparativo según la técnica.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study is to assess whether the results of loop ileostomy closure in terms of morbidity and hospital stay are influenced by the type of anastomosis and suture used. METHOD: All patients who underwent loop ileostomy closure were reviewed. A retrospective cohort study comparing morbidity and hospital stay according to the type of anastomosis (TT/LL) and the type of suture (hand sewn/mechanical) was performed. RESULTS: From January 2003 to November 2011 a total of 167 loop ileostomy closures were analized. The groups were: type of anastomosis (TT 95/LL 72) and type of suture (manual 105/stapled 62). In 76% of the observed population the underlying disease was cancer. Mortality occurred in one case. The stratified morbidity analysis by type of complications showed no significant differences between the groups in terms of local (7.4% TT, LL 8.3%, 6.7% hand sewn, stapled 9.7%), general (TT 9.5%, 16.7% LL, hand sewn 6.7%, 6.5% stapled) and surgical (TT 15.8%, 19.4% LL, hand sewn 17.1%, 17.7% stapled) complications, nor in the rate of reoperations (TT 6.3%, 6.9% LL, hand sewn 6.7%, 6.5% stapled) and hospital stay in days (TT 7.8, 8 LL, hand sewn 8.6, stapled 6.7) CONCLUSIONS: Closure of loop ileostomy can be performed regardless of the type of suture or anastomosis used, with the same rate of morbidity and hospital stay.

Double barreled wet colostomy: initial experience and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic exenteration and multivisceral resection in colorectal have been described as a curative and palliative intervention. Urinary tract reconstruction in a pelvic exenteration is achieved in most cases with an ileal conduit of Bricker, although different urinary reservoirs have been described. METHODS: A retrospective and observational study of six patients who underwent a pelvic exenteration and urinary tract reconstruction with a double barreled wet colostomy (DBWC) was done, describing the preoperative diagnosis, the indication for the pelvic exenteration, the complications associated with the procedure, and the followup in a period of 5 years. A literature review of the case series reported of the technique was performed. RESULTS: Six patients had a urinary tract reconstruction with the DBWC technique, 5 male patients and one female patient. Age range was from 20 to 77 years, with a medium age 53.6 years. The most frequent complication presented was a pelvic abscess in 3 patients (42.85%); all complications could be resolved with a conservative treatment. CONCLUSION: In the group of our patients with pelvic exenteration and urinary tract reconstruction with a DBWC, it is a safe procedure and well tolerated by the patients, and most of the complications can be resolved with conservative treatment.

Robotic transanal endoscopic microsurgery in benign rectal tumour.

AIM: To present a case of resection of a rectal tumour by a transanal robotic approach. PATIENT: A 58-year-old woman with a 3-cm tumour located 6 cm proximal to anal verge (uT1N0). RESULTS: We describe the details of the surgical technique. A complete resection with adequate margins was accomplished. The defect was closed with a running suture. Operation time was 180 min. There were no complications and the patient was discharged 24 h after surgery. CONCLUSION: A complete resection of a rectal tumour by a robotic approach is feasible and safe. More studies are needed to clearly define the indications where this new approach can show clear advantages over other transanal resection approaches.

Anal fistula plug is a valid alternative option for the treatment of complex anal fistula in the long term.

OBJECTIVE: This prospective, two-centre study was designed to evaluate long-term outcomes when using a collagen plug to treat cryptoglandular anal fistulae. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Over 3 years, 60 consecutive patients with cryptoglandular fistulae were treated using an anal fistula plug by experienced surgeons. Preoperative, postoperative and follow-up data were collected in a dedicated database. Success was defined as the closure of all fistula openings and the absence of discharge. Faecal incontinence scores were administered at baseline and at 6 months follow-up. RESULTS: Eleven patients had multiple fistula tracts. All fistulae treated in this series were classified as complex. Seventeen fistulae were anterior tracts in females, and the remaining tracts were trans-sphincteric in nature. Thirty-eight tracts were recurrent. Mean operative time was 26 ± 10 min. No major complications, active sepsis or mortality were observed. Success rate with a mean follow-up of 13 months was 60% of patients and 70% of tracts. Mean time for recurrence was 5.7 months. Two recurrent patients were successfully treated with a redo plug procedure, and five were successfully closed with a post-plug fistulotomy, leading to a global 72% success rate without continence impairment. Of the patients with a minimum follow-up of 6 months (mean, 18.5 months; range, 6-34 months), 29 in 32 (90.6%) were healed at final evaluation. In these patients, the mean preoperative CCF incontinence score was 0.73. This was reduced to 0.14 at 6-month follow-up. The mean reduction of CCF incontinence score was -0.6 (95% CI, 1.3 to -0.1; p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Fistula tract treatment with the anal fistula plug is a safe and viable surgical option that should be offered to complex fistula patients. The reasons and risk factors for recurrence remain to be explored.

Multimedia article. Laparoscopic-assisted rectosigmoidectomy with ileal loop interposition. Surgical treatment of chagasic megacolon.

BACKGROUND: Chagas disease is a frequent cause of acquired megacolon in several countries of Latin America. Several procedures have been described to treat this condition. Recently a report of 147 patients treated with an open rectosigmoidectomy with an ileal loop interposition showed a low rate of complications (8.5 percent) and recurrence (3.1 percent).1 TECHNIQUE: We present the video of a 42-year-old Latin American man who had a diagnosis of chagasic megacolon and was treated with the technique described by Netinho et al. 1 but with the use of laparoscopy. The patient was placed in a supine modified lithotomy position in Allen stirrups; the monitor was placed near the left leg of the patient, and both the surgeon and the assistant stood at the right side of the patient. Four trocars were used. Exploratory laparoscopy was performed. The proximal third of the rectum, sigmoid, and left colon were fully mobilized. Vascular pedicles were sectioned. The rectum was divided by using a linear laparoscopic cutter. A Pfannensteil incision was made and the colon was proximally divided. An ileal loop was interposed isoperistaltically between the descending colon and the rectum. Both the ileoileal and the ileocolic anastomoses were handsewn, and the distal ileorectal anastomoses were performed with a circular stapler under laparoscopic control. The patient is without symptoms or recurrence one year after the surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic approach allows the easy and correct dissection of the lateral attachments and offers the advantages of a more cosmetic and less painful procedure. Laparoscopic rectosigmoidectomy with ileal loop interposition is a technique that can be performed by laparoscopy with good results and should be an option in the treatment of chagasic megacolon.

Perforación del colon por catéter de derivación ventriculoperitoneal / Perforation of the colon by a ventriculoperitoneal drain catheter

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Influencia de la cirugía laparoscópica en la percepción de la calidad de vida tras apendicectomía / Influence of laparoscopic surgery on perception of quality of life after appendicectomy

Introducción. El tratamiento quirúrgico de la apendicitis aguda mediante apendicectomía laparotómica supuso un gran avance en la terapéutica de una enfermedad grave que sirvió para prestigiar la cirugía, gracias a los buenos resultados de mejora en la morbimortalidad que ofrecía. Sin embargo, todo tratamiento es mejorable y la introducción de la cirugía laparoscópica y su aplicación al tratamiento de la apendicitis aguda, propuesta por Semm en 1983, supuso para sus defensores una inferior tasa de hospitalización, un menor dolor postoperatorio y una más pronta recuperación, así como un mejor resultado estético. Objetivo. La intención de este trabajo es la valoración, en términos de calidad de vida, de la efectividad de la apendicectomía laparoscópica (AL) y sus ventajas en relación con la apendicectomía laparotómica o convencional (AC).Pacientes y método. Desde junio de 1994 hasta abril de 1998 fueron intervenidos mediante técnica convencional (n= 30) o laparoscópica (n= 35) 65 enfermos con diagnóstico de apendicitis aguda. Los grupos fueron asignados aleatoriamente. Se analizaron las condiciones basales de edad, sexo, enfermedades asociadas, tipo y localización del apéndice, complicaciones per y postoperatorias, tiempo quirúrgico, hospitalización, grado de dolor en los primeros 3 días del postoperatorio, índice de reconversión y la valoración subjetiva de la calidad de vida durante las primeras 4 semanas del postoperatorio. Resultados. No se han encontrado diferencias entre los 2 grupos en lo que se refiere a las condiciones basales del paciente ni en las características anatomopatológicas de los apéndices tratados. Tampoco se han observado cambios significativos en el tiempo quirúrgico. En cuanto a la incidencia de complicaciones per y postoperatorias, la infección de herida ha sido significativamente inferior en el grupo AL. Asimismo, los pacientes del grupo AL presentaron una hospitalización menor que en el grupo AC (4,4 frente a 9,9 días; p = 0,018). El dolor postoperatorio también ha sido inferior en el grupo AL (p = 0,001).En lo que se refiere a valoración específica de la calidad de vida, los pacientes del grupo AL han manifestado tener índices superiores, en algunos ítems, a los del grupo AC, lo que supone una más rápida recuperación de sus actividades cotidianas. Conclusiones. La AL presenta, con respecto a la AC, algunas ventajas en la apreciación de la calidad de vida en el postoperatorio que se manifiestan en forma de hospitalización más corta, menor dolor postoperatorio, menor tasa de infección de herida quirúrgica y unos índices de recuperación de las actividades cotidianas superiores, tanto en el análisis global como en los parciales de los diferentes factores considerados (AU)